Yes, as posted earlier, the weather was great on the South Downs. Drove
over to East Meon at 1230 from Denmead, with blue skies and the odd couple
of clouds. No sign of rain, although the wind was quite strong early in the
walk ......... but not a problem. Left East Meon and made my way over muddy
paths to Salt Hill to join the South Downs Way. Continued left for a few
miles around to Butser Hill. Well, I didn't go on to the top, took the path
off left down the back of Butser. Stopped for a coffee and cheese butty on
a stile on the way down. Very pleasant in the sunshine, with clear views
across the Meon Valley to Mercury Park passed earlier. More muddy paths
followed, made worse by those terrible 'off-road' trail bikes, before
returning back to East Meon high street. A short walk on the road brought
me back to the car. Great day for walking, the first on the South Downs of
2005. Some photos from along the route at:
http://www.thewalkzone.co.uk/today/photos.htm
Also uploaded my photos from our New Year week in the Lake District. Only
managed one hill, Grisedale Pike, but we had a sunny walk around Buttermere
New Year's Eve - the only day we saw the sun! Clare and I did Walla Crag
from Great Wood car park via Ashness Bridge on New Year's day ... great way
to clear the head in the high wind and rain! The final walk was from
Rosthwaite to Watendlath via Stonethwaite and Dock Tarn. Windy outing with
sleety rain at Watendlath. See the slide show at:
http://www.thewalkzone.co.uk/newyear-slide/index.htm
--
sandy saunders @ www.thewalkzone.co.uk
'Mountains or Mole Hills ... summiting still
brings the same excitement'